South Africa's Signature Chenins

From South African chenin specialist Chris Alheit, from offcuts of his world-renowned Alheit Vineyards range. Part barrel-fermented and matured for a longer period on the yeast lees in 2023, bringing extra breadth and some toasty richness. It's a combination that makes it especially food-friendly, matching a range of options from seafood dishes to quiches.

'Steilpad' is the family farm of Jorrie du Plessis, assistant winemaker at Adi Badenhorst's winery in the Swartland. Having been previous Head Winemaker at Lammershhoek (next door to Sadie Family Wines) he's returned to his roots to produce wine from grapes sourced from his family farm in the warm Paarl region – grapes which would typically be sent to co-operatives for blending away. Having first introduced Jorrie's Steilpad wines to the UK back in 2023 he's given us exclusive access to 'Rock City', a wine from Old Vine Certified vineyards planted in 1977 on his family farm at an amazing price. Richer and rounder than chenins found in neighbouring Swartland and Stellenbosch, this has great texture and mouthfeel with flavours of apricot, melon, peach and a touch of green apple kick. From the outstanding 2025 vintage this is delicious straight off the bat but is able to hunker down for a longer innings if you can keep your hands off it.

Bruwer Raats is affectionately known as 'the chenin king' and his original unoaked chenin blanc - sourced entirely from the granite soils of the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch – is a benchmark example of this grape and this place. Bright and zesty, with lots of apple and pear fruit character, this is entirely fermented in stainless steel with eight to ten months on its yeast lees building up texture. There is a subtle hint of honeycomb and a salty moreishness on the finish.

From member-favourite Sebastian Beaumont, this vibrant and pure Bot River chenin is sourced from younger vines on the estate and made entirely in stainless steel and concrete. Loire-like in style, it reverberates with zesty citrus fruit and green apple, and finishes crisp and refreshing.

Characterful and layered Swartland chenin blanc from the inimitable Adi Badenhorst. Made predominantly from vines at least 35-years-old with the remainder averaging approximately 18 years old, this is all spontaneously fermented in a mix of large oak vats and stainless steel resulting in a weighty chenin blanc with real presence on the palate, underpinned by freshness. Vibrant lemon and orange flavours combine with mouthwateringly-juicy peach fruit and a wild-herb character in this delicious introduction to the Swartland and the Badenhorst stable of the wines.